No-Bird Zones Planned at Lahore Airport for Flight Safety

The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has announced a major aviation safety initiative: the creation of “No-Bird Zones” around Allama Iqbal International Airport. This effort to curb bird strikes—a persistent threat to passenger flights—includes new regulations for animal waste disposal, wildlife control, and restrictions on bird feeding in designated areas. It aligns with international safety standards and seasonal precautions amid rising monsoon bird activity.

• Bird strikes during takeoff and landing are highly dangerous, frequently causing engine failure and damage to aircraft under 3,000 feet altitude

• In 2024, Lahore recorded 28 bird strike incidents, the highest in Pakistan, while 2025 has seen 25 incidents already 

• International aviation bodies (ICAO, IATA) stress that over 90% of aviation accidents from wildlife happen at low altitudes .

• Issued a "Grand Operation" order involving the District Administration, the Wildlife Department, and the Environment Protection Agency 

• Tasked the Punjab Wildlife Force—led by Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb—to strictly enforce the plan 

• Called for dismantling illegal slaughterhouses, poultry farms, and bakeries around the airport 

• Banned rooftop bird feeding, pigeon breeding in public zones, and unrestricted garbage dumping 

The operation enforces:

• Strict compliance with the Punjab Wildlife Act; violations can result in arrests and fines

• Mandatory covered waste bins for bakeries and nearby businesses

• Ban on open-air disposal of animal waste, hides, and offal near airport zones 

• Wildlife rangers and field teams to execute patrols, inspections, and deterrence activities 

Bird control around airports typically follows four key strategies:

Habitat modification – removing food sources 

Exclusion methods – physical barriers and fencing

Active deterrence – trained wildlife staff, noise cannon, simulated gunfire

Technological solutions – radar systems and sonic deterrents

Lahore’s approach emphasizes both habitat modification and active patrol protocols, with future potential for tech deployment .

Aviation experts comment:

• ICAO/IATA: The Majority of bird-strike incidents occur at low altitudes; these bird-free zones mitigate risk .

• Civil aviation analysts: Lahore’s multi-pronged strategy—zoning, closures, species control—is a sensible and layered safety model .

• Pilot forums (r/indianaviation): Bird-chaser teams using noise deterrents remain effective globally despite limitations 

• Local businesses like slaughterhouses, poultry farms, and bakeries must invest in covered disposal and waste management.

• Residents must stop feeding birds, especially on rooftops or at shrines; keeping flocks of pigeons is now restricted.

• Waste management teams will need more resources and schedule oversight near high-risk zones.

• Public awareness campaigns will help build compliance and emphasize flight safety.

• Travelers: Early morning flights may be rescheduled; check updated flight timings.

• Airlines: Flight operations must be planned around runway closures; emergency protocols are still allowed.

• Pilots should expect increased low-altitude bird presence and altered flight approach procedures.

• Aerodynamic safety: Possible advanced bird radar deployment in future budgets.

• Expanded monitoring: Longer runway closures or stricter zoning may be evaluated.

• Wildlife force growth: Punjab plans to build permanent specialized teams for aviation safety.

• Long-term evaluation: Data from this season will inform policy revisions next year.

Lahore’s establishment of No-Bird Zones, paired with runway closures during high-risk hours and enforcement of environmental rules, marks a decisive step toward safer skies. By balancing habitat adjustments, legal oversight, and international aviation standards, Punjab is tackling a significant flight hazard. The success of this initiative may set a precedent for bird strike mitigation strategies across Pakistan.